Sakura Japanese Restaurant -- mililani

This is my sisters friends place and we've been supporting their endeavors since I grew up and their latest one kinda makes me miss when they managed #1 Chinese in Hilo more... For their latest place being close to my old hood I tend to come often with my family to show support but it's a mixed bag. When you go to the hibachi table it's a fun experience for those who haven't been to benihana or tanakas but for a much more approachable price. The chef's are super friendly and make massive portions for the price. Where this goes astray is their standard table fare. I have handicapped relatives and their lack of care crowding my elderly family as we adjust them into the booth as their walkers don't fit which is ok. Where it really goes out of hand is where the host and server constantly remind us that their walkers go near the host stand now I don't mind one but it's the same treatment for the last 2-3x with the same host who doesn't seem to understand that it takes forever and a day to get someone old into a seated position. They also don't take some of my folks allergies well as well given they seemed irritated that some of us wanted our plates with no shellfish (keep in mind we're not asking for double of anything or special treatment just to not go anaphylactic). The portions on the table fare do seem markedly smaller than the hibachi ones and at times nonexistent checkups by our server is a recipe for disappointment and therefore my score of my mixed bag for the spot. I do endorse it for hibachi for the price but don't expect anything amazing on the tables.

SHAWN!! BEST SERVICE!! Thank you Shawn for a wonderful dinner! I’d would have posted pics of my food but I downed it fast. Ask for Shawns station everybody and make sure to order the Amazing Roll! The absolute Best!!

This place does everything a good a Japanese restaurant should do. We started off with a dynamite roll which was delicious. I usually get those for dessert because they're so good. Then we ordered from the hibachi grill. We shared a filet mignon with shrimp combo with extra eggs on our fried rice. We also got some salmon and a filet mignon. Everything was prepared in front of us with a great show. The chef was masterful in his preparation as well as his storytelling. We had a great time. Everything was flavored well and ready to eat when he served it. If you wanted to use yum yum sauce to really bring out the flavor then you could. If you need some hibachi then this is the place to go or sushi for that matter. I saw a couple of sushi boats go by and they looked amazing. I might have to go back for some of that.